This has been the most exciting week in a long time in the world of missing persons. Not only did a long time missing loved one come home, but three came home. Alive.

It’s unbelievable. Astounding.

A miracle in Ohio.

Media outlets all over the country are following closely, and are looking for families of missing persons in their area to interview and comment. So in addition to these three women and one child (who was born during their captivity) coming home at long last, many of our loved ones are being seen again. Families who have had their missing loved one gone for years, and forgotten by most.

My feelings were mixed at first. My first thought was actually that if it was my sister or daughter, I would wish that she had been dead instead of enduring the torture and pain of ten years of imprisonment from a monster. I would have more heartbreak than joy, because of all they have faced. I’d have more guilt than peace, that I hadn’t been able to rescue them somehow.

But to the families of Amanda Berry, Georgina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight, while there are likely years of healing and struggle ahead, I have to believe that they are simply thankful to have them home. Thankful that they can begin the healing process. Thankful that their long search is over.